Nothing beats a holiday away from the stresses of everyday life, and it would be even better if you could bring your four-legged friend along.
This article explores the best dog-friendly holidays (UK), including the best beaches, dog-friendly holiday cottages, and even campsites for the adventurous family. We also look if there is a pet-friendly restaurant and dog-friendly beaches within walking distance.
Best Dog-friendly Beach Holiday
The beach must be one of the dogs' most enjoyable experiences. These beach vacation destinations have sun, sand, tans, and relaxation; if your dog loves the water, they will feel right at home.
1. 21 Shoregate, Crail, Fife
A historic East Neuk fishing town, Crail is only a short walk from this 18th-century fisherman's cabin. It's the ideal place to kick back and relax with a group of friends or family with dog-friendly rooms.
There is a private garden with a barbeque, a sea view for the summer months and a wood-burning stove to enjoy during the winter. St Andrews, the birthplace of golf, is only a short drive away, and a well-behaved dog is invited to join you on your adventures.
There are several walking paths where you and your pet dog can take a stroll while admiring the endless ocean. From North Queensferry to the Tay, the Fife Coastal Path provides fantastic opportunities for seaside walks, and it passes just by the cottage's front door. The Fife Pilgrim's Way, a new inland hiking trail, opened.
The dog-friendly cottages are only a short drive from Scotland's best eateries, including the Michelin-starred Peat Inn and the Anstruther Fish Bar. Pittenweem's Cocoa Tree, The Adamson in St Andrews, and the harbour's delicious local Crail Food Festival are excellent examples of local cafés and brasseries.
2. Hebridean Earth House, Askernish, South Uist, Outer Hebrides
The Hebridean Earth House resembles a contemporary Hobbit house perched on a hill overlooking the ocean. If you're looking for a unique vacation rental in the Outer Hebrides, go no further than this beautiful home on South Uist.
When you arrive, it's evident that every piece of the design and furnishings has been meticulously planned and executed to the tiniest of details. Underfloor heating and spectacular loch-side views are just some of the features this Polar Wall Construction home offers.
Bathroom amenities from the White Company and a gift basket from Bose are among the extravagances to welcome you. Only one dog is allowed in the home, and the beach is only a few minutes away.
This is where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy kilometres of sand on dog-friendly beached and wildflowers in the warmer months. You get to see the otter run and perhaps an otter casually walking by the wall-to-floor glass front home if you are lucky.
3. The Lobster Pot, Beesands, South Devon
The Lobster Pot is located in a tranquil coastal setting, only a few steps from the pebble beach, in the fishing hamlet of Beesands. This dog-friendly holiday house has just had a complete makeover and is set out across three levels, each with its own balcony and three bedrooms with incredible sea views.
Access to the bottom floor is provided through a ground-floor entry door from the large parking lot, accommodating 2-3 cars. Three of the four bedrooms and the utility area, complete with a dog shower, are located on this floor.
The open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting area on the top level includes a huge covered balcony with chairs and fantastic sea views.
Other incredibly beautiful beaches and coastal towns are only a short distance away. Follow the South West Coast Path to experience stunning vistas and find unspoiled bays, ancient settlements, and great local products served in a few dog-friendly pubs and cafés.
This chic beachfront vacation rental is ideal for groups of up to eight people, maximum of six adults, two children, and one dog, searching for a spectacular seaside hideaway.
Best Dog-friendly Campsites
Camping with your dog is fun to do together as a family over the weekend. Your dog will have a ball with so much to explore and smell. Taking your lovable pup on a trip with you offers several advantages for both of you.
It's a terrific companion for solo campers or families and a fun playmate for the children to keep them amused before night. You, your family, and your dog will have a wonderful time at these campgrounds.
4. Old Oaks, Somerset
Old Oaks is one of the most dog-friendly campgrounds around. If you're looking for a place to let your dog run free while you take a walk or relax on a bench, this 300-meter-long dog exercise facility is the place for you.
Old Oaks offers a dedicated store for your four-legged friends. Dog ice cream, homemade dog treats, and locally produced raw mince for dogs are great ways to spoil your pets. It's even better since there are plenty of dog-related products to choose from if you've forgotten something along the way. Dog-friendly vacations are all about this!
Old Oaks is bordered by several footpaths ideal for a day of hiking with your dog, and Glastonbury Tor may be the most renowned footpath of them all. And you need not worry about cleaning up after your dog since there is a dispenser for dog waste bags.
Sand Point headland, a popular pet-friendly beach, is only a short drive from the campsites at Old Oaks. South of Western Super Mare, on the coast of Dorset, is Berrow Beach, which is enormous and has the second-longest beach in Europe. Your four-legged friends are welcome at any time of year. Be cautious of the soft sand and mud at low tide; keep your four-legged friend near or stroll a few hours on each side of high tide to avoid the muck.
5. Headington Caravan Park, Banff
Located in the northeast of Scotland, Headiton is a tiny, family-run, dog-friendly holiday caravan park. You'll fall in love with this dog-friendly accommodation, allowing you to stay in charming and luxurious two or three-bedroom trailers with spectacular coastal views.
A circular dog walk is featured on the campground, proving to be immensely popular with both dog owners and their canine companions; seating is provided along the route so that you and your pup may appreciate the scenery!
Go for a walk with your dog and stop for a bite to eat in one of the neighbouring gorgeous maritime towns. Be sure to enjoy the sandy beaches throughout your visit as well. There are several seaside walks for you and your dog to enjoy.
In addition to the popular Duff House, Bow Fiddle Rock, Coast Festival of Visual Arts, and the Portsoy Boat Festival in June, there are several other events that are worth checking out.
Headiton, a self-catering caravan park on the coast, could be the ideal location for you and your dog if you prefer long walks on the sand, historical castle visits, and stunning coastal views.
6. The Meadows, Cornwall
Located in Cornwall's scenic and handy Pentewan Valley, near Mevagissey, The Meadows is a dog-friendly campground for adults only. This campsite comprises nearly six acres of the campground, grassland and woods.
Campgrounds in Cornwall are popular with both people and their four-legged companions. Several dog-friendly hikes are nearby, of varying lengths and with beautiful scenery. You can stop at a pub that allows dogs on many of these walks.
During your stay, you may be fortunate enough to see deer, owls, or even a woodpecker due to the efforts of the campsite's staff to attract wildlife. Additionally, otters have been observed in the valley.
Several restaurants, such as the Ship Inn and The Kingswood Bar & Restaurant, are dog-friendly destinations and provide light lunches so that hikers can refuel before continuing their adventures.
Dog-friendly ferries run between Mevagissey and Fowey and Fowey and Polruan for the adventurous dog owner and companion. Why drive when you can take the ferry and continue your exploration? You could also take a bus or walk the coastal route to Mevagissey or Charlestown to return to your campsite.
Best Dog-friendly Holiday Cottages
Whether you're looking for a beautiful mountaintop home or secluded pet-friendly holiday cottages in the woods, our best selection of pet-friendly accommodations all offer something for you and your dog.
7. Tenbury Cottage, Shropshire
Tenbury Cottage is connected to Ludlow Barn, although it's secluded from the bigger property. It offers a trendy, cosy, open-plan living area with a wood-burning fire and deep, comfy couches close to the well-appointed kitchen.
Upstairs, beyond the mezzanine with rocking rockers, there is a super-king bed with an en suite rainforest shower, and below there is a super-king bed with an adjacent bathroom. This cottage's two rooms are capable of accommodating twin beds.
This vacation rental is ideal for families with two pets and children. Tenbury Cottage is perfect for a dog-friendly getaway. It's tucked away in the rolling South Shropshire countryside, is surrounded by many walks, and has access to 12 acres of verdant farmland.
When you're not out sightseeing, the cosy interiors of Mortimer Forest offer a lovely place to relax. Step outdoors with your family and pets for a walk around the farm, a climb up Clee Hill, a trip to Ludlow, or admire the splendour of the Great British Countryside.
8. Blagdon Means, Tiverton
Blagdon Means is a lovely dog-friendly holiday cottage for anyone wishing to explore everything Devon offers. It's located in a quiet hamlet just outside Tiverton, with quick access to the M5. You and your family may go for walks along the River Exe with your two dogs and afterwards return to this charming property to warm up by the wood-burning stove, which is decorated in a country cottage style.
When you walk into the stunning pet-friendly holiday cottage, you'll find a large dining room with room for everyone. This leads to a large, comfortable lounge with plenty of seating, a TV, and a wood-burning stove where you can warm up on colder nights. The bright and open kitchen is located next to the living room and has a great view of the private garden. The breakfast table has room for four people.
The surrounding town of Tiverton offers a picturesque canal with boat rentals and a variety of stores and restaurants. There are other National Trust sites nearby, such as Knightshayes Court, a short walk from the hotel. You will enjoy exploring both the outstanding natural beauty coasts, as Exmouth and Instow beaches are only 45 minutes away by car.
FAQS
How many dogs and children are permitted at 21 Shoregate, Crail, Fife?
One well-behaved dog is welcome at 21 Shoregate in Fife. Additionally, due to the interior design of the cottage, only children over the age of 6 are permitted to stay.
What are some dog-friendly attractions in Somerset?
The Cheddar Gorge & Caves and Hestercombe Gardens are two sites where you can bring your pet. You and your pets can also enjoy Wells Cathedral and the West Somerset Railway at Minehead for a delightful train journey.
Conclusion
There are several dog-friendly destinations in the UK. When reserving a holiday home, make sure to inquire about the number of dogs permitted on the property.
No matter where you stay, there are regulations for bringing your dog along with you on vacation. Some ask that you keep your dogs on a lead, while others have designated areas where dogs are not allowed. When making a reservation, be sure to inquire about all details you feel are relevant.
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